Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

Below are the most common Whirlpool washer error codes (also applies to Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, JennAir). Each code includes what it means, step-by-step DIY fixes, when to call a professional, and repair cost estimates.

Quick Navigation — 10 Error Codes

Code F21 Code F02 Code F51 Code F5 E3 Code F8 E1 Code F3 E1 Code F7 E1 Code F9 E1 Code Sud Code F5 E2

Whirlpool Code F21: Long drain — water not draining within 8 minutes

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $150 – $350

Common Causes

  • Drain pump filter clogged with debris, coins, or small items
  • Drain hose kinked, blocked, or improperly installed
  • Excessive suds from using non-HE detergent
  • Faulty drain pump motor

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Unplug the washer and locate the drain pump filter (usually behind a small access panel at the bottom front). Place towels down and slowly open to drain residual water, then remove debris.
  2. Check the drain hose behind the washer for kinks or clogs. Disconnect and flush with water if needed.
  3. Switch to HE (High Efficiency) detergent and use the recommended amount — excess suds block drainage.
  4. Run a drain/spin cycle after cleaning to test. If code returns, the drain pump may need replacement.

Call a professional when: The drain pump filter and hose are clear but the code persists, or you hear the pump humming but not pumping — the drain pump motor is likely failed.

Whirlpool Code F02: Long drain — extended drain time exceeded

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $150 – $350

Common Causes

  • Severe clog in drain pump filter or drain hose
  • Drain hose inserted too far into standpipe (siphon effect)
  • Failed drain pump
  • Excessive suds blocking the drain system

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Clean the drain pump filter by accessing the small panel at the bottom front of the washer. Have towels ready for water.
  2. Verify the drain hose is inserted no more than 8 inches into the standpipe and is not airtight — a small air gap prevents siphoning.
  3. Check for kinks or blockages in the drain hose. Disconnect and run water through it.
  4. Use only HE detergent in the correct amount to prevent excess suds.

Call a professional when: All drain paths are clear but water will not pump out, indicating a failed drain pump or control board issue.

Whirlpool Code F51: Motor rotor position sensor (RPS) failure

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $200 – $450

Common Causes

  • Sand, dirt, or foreign objects lodged between rotor and stator
  • Defective rotor position sensor (RPS)
  • Wiring problem in lower harness between motor and control board
  • Overloaded washer causing motor strain

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Unplug the washer, remove the clothes, and try running an empty rinse/spin cycle to see if the code clears.
  2. If you are comfortable, remove the rotor (bottom of tub) and clean any sand, debris, or foreign objects from between the rotor and stator.
  3. Check the wire harness connection at the motor — unplug and reseat the connector firmly.
  4. Reduce your load size. An overloaded basket can trigger this code.

Call a professional when: The code persists after cleaning and reseating connections — the RPS sensor or motor stator likely needs replacement.

Whirlpool Code F5 E3: Lid lock fault — lid cannot lock or unlock

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $125 – $275

Common Causes

  • Lid not fully closed or object obstructing the lid latch
  • Defective lid lock mechanism or striker
  • Broken wire in the lid lock harness
  • Failed control board not sending lock signal

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Open the lid and inspect the lock mechanism and striker for visible damage or obstructions.
  2. Close the lid firmly and ensure nothing is preventing it from seating properly.
  3. Unplug the washer for 1 minute, then plug it back in and start a cycle to see if the lock engages.
  4. Check the wire harness connection to the lid lock — unplug and reseat if accessible.

Call a professional when: The lid lock clicks but does not engage, or the wiring appears damaged — the lid lock assembly or control board needs replacement.

Whirlpool Code F8 E1: Low flow — washer not detecting adequate water supply

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $120 – $275

Common Causes

  • Water supply faucets behind the washer not fully open
  • Inlet hose screens clogged with sediment or mineral deposits
  • Kinked or frozen water supply hoses
  • Faulty water inlet valve

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Verify both hot and cold water supply faucets behind the washer are fully open.
  2. Turn off the water supply, disconnect the fill hoses from the back of the washer, and clean the inlet screens with a toothbrush and vinegar.
  3. Check the hoses for kinks. In winter, check if lines may be frozen.
  4. Reconnect hoses, turn on water, and start a cycle to test.

Call a professional when: Water supply is good and screens are clean but the washer still will not fill — the water inlet valve is likely failed and needs replacement.

Whirlpool Code F3 E1: Water level pressure switch fault — washer cannot detect water level

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $150 – $325

Common Causes

  • Pressure switch hose disconnected or cracked
  • Clogged pressure switch hose (trapped water or debris)
  • Failed water level pressure switch
  • Control board malfunction

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Unplug the washer. Locate the pressure switch hose (a small rubber tube running from the bottom of the tub to the pressure switch on the control board).
  2. Check that the hose is securely connected at both ends and has no cracks or holes.
  3. Blow gently through the hose to check for clogs — you should feel minimal resistance.
  4. Plug the washer back in and start a cycle. If the code returns, the pressure switch may be defective.

Call a professional when: The hose is clear and connected but the code persists — the pressure switch or control board needs professional diagnosis.

Whirlpool Code F7 E1: Motor speed sensing error — motor cannot reach proper speed

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $200 – $500

Common Causes

  • Overloaded wash basket
  • Shipping bolts not removed (on new installations)
  • Worn or failed drive motor
  • Loose wiring harness connection at the motor

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Reduce the load size — an overloaded basket prevents the motor from reaching full speed.
  2. For newly installed washers, verify all shipping bolts have been removed from the rear of the unit.
  3. Unplug the washer, then check and reseat the motor wiring harness connection.
  4. Run an empty rinse/spin cycle to test.

Call a professional when: The code persists with an empty or small load — the drive motor, motor control board, or main control board needs professional diagnosis.

Whirlpool Code F9 E1: Long drain — slow or clogged drain detected

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $150 – $350

Common Causes

  • Clogged drain pump filter
  • Kinked or blocked drain hose
  • Household drain or standpipe is clogged
  • Drain pump failure

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Clean the drain pump filter (behind the access panel at the bottom front of the washer).
  2. Check the drain hose for kinks or blockages — disconnect and flush if needed.
  3. Verify the household standpipe is not clogged by running water directly into it.
  4. Run a drain/spin cycle to test.

Call a professional when: Drain paths are clear but water remains in the tub — the drain pump has likely failed and needs replacement.

Whirlpool Code Sud: Excessive suds detected

Low Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $0 – $150

Common Causes

  • Using non-HE (regular) detergent in an HE washer
  • Using too much detergent
  • Detergent residue buildup inside the wash tub

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Let the washer sit — it will pause to allow suds to dissipate, then automatically resume.
  2. Switch to HE detergent only and use the manufacturer-recommended amount (usually 1-2 tablespoons for a standard load).
  3. Run a clean washer cycle (tub clean) with no clothes and no detergent to remove residue buildup.
  4. If you have soft water, use even less detergent than recommended.

Call a professional when: You are using proper HE detergent in correct amounts but the code keeps appearing — the pressure switch or control board may be misreading water levels.

Whirlpool Code F5 E2: Door lock system — door not detected open between cycles

Low Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $125 – $275

Common Causes

  • Door switch not registering the door opening
  • Faulty door lock assembly
  • Wiring issue between door switch and control board

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Press Cancel/Power Off, then open and firmly close the door, and start a new cycle.
  2. Unplug the washer for 1 minute to reset the control board, then try again.
  3. Inspect the door latch area for any debris preventing the switch from engaging.

Call a professional when: The code reappears after resetting — the door lock assembly or its wiring needs professional replacement.

Need Whirlpool Repair in Central Texas?

Texas Temp Masters provides expert appliance repair for Whirlpool , Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, JennAir, and all major brands in Killeen, Waco, Temple, and surrounding areas. Call (817) 704-0706 for fast, reliable service, or contact us online.

Error code information cross-referenced from manufacturer documentation, HVAC/appliance professional resources, and verified repair databases. Codes can vary by specific model and control board revision. Always verify against your unit's diagnostic label or owner's manual. Repair costs are estimates based on national averages. Last updated February 2026.

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